Moen, Gorges miss Long Island practice

Pat Hickey checks in from Long Island, where the Canadiens practised at noon-hour today. They probably skated in front of nearly as many people at the Nassau Coliseum as they did last night, and hat’s off to the brave souls who made it to the rink Sunday to see the Islanders dispose of the Habs 4-1.

Canadiens forward Travis Moen didn’t skate today, still under the weather with the flu, and defenceman Josh Gorges took a therapy day. Gorges has been banged up for some time and at some point, you’d think coach Jacques Martin is going to rest him for his own good and that of the team, which will need him fully healthy in the New Year.

The Habs have a 2:30 pm flight to Washington scheduled for their game vs. the Capitals tomorrow night. Their charter flies out of Long Island, so they should avoid the chaos that’s gripping every airport on the Eastern Seaboard following the brutal blizzard of yesterday and last night.

Late afternoon update: The Canadiens did not take off on schedule. CKAC reports there were problems with the aircraft, and the players have returned to their hotel.